Workplace Safety and Insurance
Appeals Tribunal

Established in 1985, the Workplace Safety and Insurance Appeals Tribunal (WSIAT) is the final level of appeal to which workers and employers may bring disputes concerning
workplace safety and insurance matters in Ontario. WSIAT has always been separate from and independent of the
Workplace Safety and Insurance Board.

Highlights of Noteworthy Decisions

Decision 2071 12

5/22/2015

J. Josefo

Employer (sufficient connection to Ontario)

Out of province (substantial connection)

Right to sue

Worker (sufficient connection to Ontario)

The defendants in a civil case applied to determine whether the plaintiff's right of action was taken away regarding a motor vehicle accident in Ontario involving two trucks.The plaintiff was an Ontario resident employed by a Schedule 1 employer. The defendant transport company was based in Manitoba. The driver was a resident of Manitoba.The Vice-Chair found that the defendants had a substantial connection to Ontario. It was clear that the transport company was performing an activity that could be classified in Schedule 1 of the WSIA. There was evidence that the transport company was not merely passing through Ontario as a transient but, rather, was contributing to and participating in the Ontario economy.The defendant driver was a trainee and had no history of travelling in Ontario for work purposes. However, the Vice-Chair was of the view that the status of the employer was determinative of whether there existed a substantial connection to Ontario. This leads to greater certainty and predictability than determining the substantial connection of each individual employee.The Vice-Chair concluded that the defendants had a substantial connection to Ontario. Accordingly, the plaintiff's right of action was taken away.